Was the ruling dynasty of Iran from 1925 to 1979. It was founded by Reza Shah Pahlavi, who seized power in a coup in 1921 and became the Iran’s first shah, or king, in 1925. The Pahlavi Dynasty was marked by efforts to modernize Iran and bring it into the 20th century, including reforms in education, health care, and infrastructure. The Pahlavi shahs were also closely aligned with the West, particularly the United States, and received significant military and economic aid from the West during their reigns. However, the Pahlavi Dynasty was also criticized for its authoritarianism and its suppression of political opposition, particularly under the rule of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, who came to power after his father's abdication in 1941. The Pahlavi Dynasty was overthrown in the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which led to the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran under the leadership of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.